33 replies to this topic

[NA Jimbo]

You could get a set of standard rears like i have and fit them to the front. I haven't fitted mine yet as there's plenty of tread on my originals. Do a search, they have been fitted to other members cars with no issues and improved handling.

[Decky]

The skinny tyres also make the car drivable in the wet, the contact patch on a larger tyre would spread the tiny amount of weight out even more and so not cut through water as well. Skinny tyres increase the pressure and reduce aquaplaning.

[tim king]

The skinny tyres also make the car drivable in the wet, the contact patch on a larger tyre would spread the tiny amount of weight out even more and so not cut through water as well. Skinny tyres increase the pressure and reduce aquaplaning.

interesting

[SteveA]

Rik has Astra wheels. Search for threads by Steve Crisp too.

[NA Jimbo]

The skinny tyres also make the car drivable in the wet, the contact patch on a larger tyre would spread the tiny amount of weight out even more and so not cut through water as well. Skinny tyres increase the pressure and reduce aquaplaning.

I understand what you're saying but keeping a good level of tread should avoid this.
On another note, have you tried braking in the wet on the skinny fronts??

[Decky]

lol yeah its not great but I use alot of engine braking aswell as the brakes so slows smoothly and quickly even on bicycle tyres. I found out about the aquaplaning and tyre sizes as I had a very modified fiesta with huge width tyres and it was a nightmare to drive in the wet, short trip to the tuners and a thinner tyre later it was cured. If lotus designed their cars with shopping trolley wheels I would just accept that that must be the best way to set the car up, they know better than anyone how to make a car corner imo

[snoopstah]

If lotus designed their cars with shopping trolley wheels I would just accept that that must be the best way to set the car up, they know better than anyone how to make a car corner imo

Indeed.

Which is why they fit the hardcore cars in their range (VXR220, Exige S2) with wide front wheels as standard

[siztenboots]

viscoplaning and aquaplaning , quite different , but often confused

[NA Jimbo]

viscoplaning and aquaplaning , quite different , but often confused

So, go on then, what's the difference. At least when I'm hurtling toward the armco I can give the issue the correct name

[peterg]

So, go on then, what's the difference. At least when I'm hurtling toward the armco I can give the issue the correct name

It's all explained quite simply here
http://www.michelin....121126_100.html

[slindborg]

So, go on then, what's the difference. At least when I'm hurtling toward the armco I can give the issue the correct name

It's all explained quite simply here
http://www.michelin....121126_100.html

lol @ epicly vauge viscoplaning info there... ok I know what happens but how does one cure it, or is that secret

[peterg]

Well, they don't have a graph to show stopping distance for a road with diesel on it but the biggest influencing factors are Speed & Tyre tread depth

http://www.michelin....0320173207.html

[slindborg]

But with Viscoplaning occuring at 0.5mm of water, even the legal minimum should 'save' you from that

[NA Jimbo]

So, go on then, what's the difference. At least when I'm hurtling toward the armco I can give the issue the correct name

It's all explained quite simply here
http://www.michelin....121126_100.html

lol @ epicly vauge viscoplaning info there... ok I know what happens but how does one cure it, or is that secret

Only drive in the dry or on bike tyres.
Any deviation from this = certain viscoplaning fireball death!